Conference delegates ‘continue commitment’ to reduce road harm
Hundreds of road safety professionals and roads policing colleagues gathered together this week for the UKROEd/NPCC Roads Policing Conference 2026.
Taking place on 14 and 15 October at the Radisson Hotel Manchester Airport, the Conference, now in its eighth year, brought together academics, campaigners, policy makers and police officers to share insights into their work and place a focus on the latest and upcoming developments in the sector.
The Conference adopted a theme of ‘The Journey to Safer Roads: Continuing the Commitment’, a nod to the release earlier this year of the Government’s National Road Safety Strategy, but also recognition that there is still much to do to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads.
The two-day conference was packed with high-quality inputs from some of the leading voices in road safety and policing from across the UK. It was opened with a welcome from UKROEd Chair Peter Strachan, followed by Chief Constable Jo Shiner KPM, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing, and UKROEd’s CEO Ruth Purdie OBE, who set the scene for the next two days.
The first of two keynote speakers for the Conference was Dr Cathy Miller, Head of Road Safety at the Department for Transport. Dr Miller outlined details of the Road Safety Strategy, the action the Government is taking to progress it, and issued a call to action for partnership working with colleagues across the road safety sector.
Our other guest speakers from the opening day were: Adam Pipe (Essex Police); Dr Elizabeth Box (ECM Solutions); Anne-Marie Penny (National Highways); and Dr Emily Brannen (Brannen Insights Group Ltd).
Kicking off the second day was our second keynote speaker Chief Supt Marc Clothier, Head of Operations at the NRPCC (National Road Policing Coordination Centre). Chief Supt Clothier outlined the purpose of the newly formed NRPCC and how it is supporting police forces across the UK to make our roads and streets safer
Our other speakers on day two were: PC Nathaniel Ivy (Metropolitan Police); Insp Ursula Edström (Swedish Police Authority); Dr Helen Wells (NRPCC); Dave Harford (Transport for West Midlands); Dr Nick Reed (Reed Mobility); and Prof Fiona Fylan (Leeds Beckett University).
The event was closed by Paul Steinberg, Deputy CEO at The Road Safety Trust, who presented the findings of a new poll conducted by More in Common indicating broad public support for many of the proposed measures outlined in the Government’s Road Safety Strategy.
There were also opportunities for questions and debate across the four conference sessions, and focused discussion and knowledge sharing during our ‘breakout sessions’. Meanwhile an extensive exhibition area offered an ideal backdrop for more informal networking and discussion during the refreshment breaks.
UKROEd CEO Ruth Purdie OBE said: “The strength of this conference lies in the breadth of people that it brings into the room, including policing colleagues, road safety professionals, policy leads, course providers, researchers and partners who all share a commitment to removing harm from our roads.
“It has allowed us to not only to hear from expert speakers, but also to share experience, ask questions, showcase good practice and build the relationships that help turn ideas into action.
“There was a real energy amongst the delegates this week and a sense of renewed optimism and determination, and I look forward to carrying the momentum forwards as we work together to reduce death and serious injuries on our roads.”
A highlight of Conference each year is the UKROEd/NPCC Roads Policing annual awards, and this year was no different. A glittering ceremony was enjoyed by 250 guests, with 11 worthy award winners receiving a tremendous reception from those attending.
Among the winners were three recipients of ‘Special Awards’: Lynne Harrison received a Special Recognition Award as PentiP D&E Chair; Alan Hiscox received a Special Recognition Award for 10 years’ Contribution to Road Safety in his role with the British horse Society; and Roger Gardner was awarded the Chief Constable’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service and Road Safety.
Additionally, a special award had been made earlier in the day to Chief Constable Jo Shiner KPM, recognising her “outstanding leadership and commitment to improving roads safety” during her five years as the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s lead for roads policing, working tirelessly to remove harm from the UK’s roads for all road users.
CC Shiner said: “The UKROEd/NPCC Roads Policing Conference is a valuable opportunity to come together with colleagues from across the roads policing and road safety sector, sharing learnings and insight from the last year while looking forward to how we collectively tackle the challenges ahead.
“2026 has seen significant developments with the publication of the Government’s Road Safety Strategy outlining ambitious targets to improve the safety of our roads and from a policing side, the launch of the National Roads Policing Coordination Centre which is already making strides in innovation and best practice. Through the UKROEd conference we’ve been able to reflect on the opportunities ahead and I feel confident we are in a strong position with our partners to deliver real change, making our roads safer for everyone.”
We offer congratulations to all our winners of the annual UKROEd/NPCC Roads Policing Awards:
UKROEd awards
Outstanding Contribution to Diversity & Inclusion – Driver Education Gloucestershire Trainers
Outstanding Team Contribution to the NDOR Scheme – TTC Welsh Language Team
The Dave Jones Award for Outstanding Contribution to NDORS – Emma Byrne and Michelle Owen (dual award winners)
NPCC Roads Policing awards
Outstanding Contribution to Road Safety – PC Barry Freeman and Maria Dennis
Innovation and Excellence – PC Kevin Brooks
Frontline Hero of the Year – Sgt Stacey Ellott
Special Awards
Special Recognition for PentiP D&E Chair – Lynne Harrison
Special Recognition for 10 years’ Contribution to Road Safety – Alan Hiscox
Chief Constable’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service and Road Safety – Roger Gardner